Leonardo at EBACE 2023 in Geneva, Switzerland, announced its regional distributor, Sloane Helicopters, placed orders for one AW109 GrandNew and one AW109 Trekker light twin. During the business-aviation focused tradeshow, Leonardo notes it has registered total orders for nearly 15 private/corporate helicopters in the UK and Ireland over the past 12 months, including a mix of AW109GrandNew/Trekker and five AW139 intermediate twins, all with deliveries expected in the 2023 to 2025 period.
“With eight new helicopters delivered since the last EBACE and more to come, this rapid expansion exemplifies Sloane’s commitment to both the Leonardo products and growth of the UK and Ireland helicopter market,” said David George, Chairman of Sloane Helicopters.
Leonardo explains Sloane in July 2022 confirmed its Distributor Agreement for the 2022-2024 timeframe, covering both types and the AW169 light intermediate twin model. The partnership between Sloane Helicopters and Leonardo was established in 1995, when Sloane became the sole distributor of Leonardo VIP/corporate helicopter in the UK and Ireland. Under this collaboration, nearly 110 Leonardo commercial helicopters have been delivered to operators and private users in the region.
Sloane is also an Authorised Service Centre, providing maintenance and support services for the majority of GrandNew and all AW169 VIP helicopters in the region. Additionally, Sloane Helicopters is a type rating training centre for Leonardo helicopters in the UK.
